A New Recreation Area Will Feature Dubuque County’s Largest Public Lake

Over the past several years, my articles have been a big promoter of utilizing, protecting, and securing our natural areas for conservation, enjoyment, and the encouragement of all local citizens to get out and "touch some grass." We have so many amazing places to discover and explore. That's why the latest projects from Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever have piqued my interest.

Get our free mobile app

I already enjoy an amazing area known as Ringneck Ridge, which was originally secured by Dubuqueland Pheasants Forever. Now it's a Dubuque County Conservation Board wildlife area open to public hunting and fishing, as well as a great place for hikers and bird watchers. My wife and our kids frequently visit the area between Cascade and Worthington.

Now it seems we will soon have a new location to explore, much closer to Cascade.

That new location will be known as the Locher Recreation Area, a 116-acre property just north of Cascade that will become Dubuque County’s largest public lake and a hub for outdoor recreation. According to a report in the Telegraph Herald, the project has been years in the making, with Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever playing a major role in fundraising, cleanup, and coordination with more than 15 partners. Shoreline work has already been completed, and seeding is in place to set the stage for development.

The plans are exciting for any outdoor enthusiast: a 1.6-mile trail around the lake, handicap-accessible fishing piers, a boat ramp, wildflower prairie restoration, and potential kayak access to the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. While the site is still at least 18 months away from opening, the Dubuque County Conservation Board will soon be working with a design firm to gather community input and finalize plans. If it’s done right, it’s going to be well worth the wait. Additionally, projects like this can entice new visitors to the town of Cascade, which in turn means an increase in economic activity.

This isn’t the only project that shows how impactful partnerships like Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever can be. In Clinton County, they recently led the effort to add 40 acres to the Lost Nation Public Hunting Area, expanding it from 260 to 300 acres and improving access for hunters and wildlife managers alike. That property is now permanently managed by Clinton County Conservation.

Both projects prove the same point: when conservation groups and community members work together, they can accomplish things no single group can do alone. For families like mine, and for anyone who loves the outdoors, that means more opportunities to fish, hike, paddle, and simply enjoy the beauty of eastern Iowa. And trust me, we've got a LOT! With Locher Recreation Area on the horizon, it feels like the best is yet to come for Cascade and Dubuque County residents. If you're interested in joining the conversation or becoming an invested member, reach out to Twin River Pheasants Forever to attend their upcoming fundraising banquet on Saturday, October 11th, at the Berndes Center in Monticello, Iowa.